Without physicists experimenting with transitional elements and studying the properties of semiconductors (”dirt effects” we call them), there would be no transistor, NOTHING of electronics as we have them today.
We would be stuck in a world of vacuum tubes forever. Oh, those would not be around either, because no one would have studied electron emission from heated metals (what’s the use of that, eh?).
And so on, and so forth. Clubs, not knives.
Will these super heavy elements pave a way to new technology? Unlikely, but having a broad base of scientists is a good thing, much better than welfare spending for example.
Oh please. I used to work in microwave semiconductors and hybrid microelectronic circuits. This work is a far cry from research in transitional elements.
What you want is research money with no accountability. That kills wealth necessary to fund other more productive research.
Well said!
Regarding the ubiquitous present of Chinese nationals in our institutions.
A couple of years ago I had a contract to represent a company at an NSF symposium. All the panels and discussion groups were dominated number wise by Chinese nationals! Many of those representing NSF were Chinese nationals. I guarantee all there on the US taxpayer dime.